What Is a Desktop CNC Machine?
Desktop CNC machines are miniaturized table-top versions of the milling machines normally used in factories.
As with ordinary milling machines, a cutting tool (milling machine) attached to a rotating spindle is used to cut materials.
While commercial milling machines are large and expensive, desktop CNC machines make it easy for home users to engage in craftwork.
Desktop CNC machines consist of a spindle, column, and saddle. They are classified into vertical and horizontal types according to the direction of the spindle.
Uses of Desktop CNC Machines
Desktop CNC machines are mainly used for cutting hard metals.
Due to their cutting characteristics, they are suitable for making flat or curved surfaces, grooves, etc., on metal materials.
It can be used at home or in the office, and materials can be easily processed.
On the other hand, there are some materials that are difficult to mill. For materials with corners, it is difficult to make right angles on all sides because of the curvature in milling.
In such cases, the milling machine can either leave the curvature at the corners or widen the corners slightly.
Principles of Desktop CNC Machines
Let us take a closer look at the characteristics of milling machines. The same can be applied to table-top milling machines.
Depending on the construction of the milling machine, there are two types of milling machines: one with an up-and-down table and one with an up-and-down spindle. They are called “knee type” and “bed type,” respectively.
In the knee type, the table is moved up and down, allowing easy machining even if the shape of the workpiece is different.
Depending on the orientation of the spindle, there are vertical and horizontal types, but the vertical type is currently the most common.
This is because the main method is to use a tool similar to a drill, called an end mill, to cut with the side edge.
Another method called face milling, in which the material is cut in a flat shape, is also often used in the vertical form.
On the other hand, in the bed type, the spindle can be moved up and down to enable powerful cutting. As with the knee type, there are vertical and horizontal types.
Since the table does not move, both types have advantages over the knee type in terms of maintaining accuracy and loading weight.